The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Harriet's face was the epitome of kindness and warmth. She wore her favorite dress, a rich, deep red gown that Noella had painstakingly dyed and sewn for her. It marked Harriet's first foray into wearing such elegant attire, a cherished garment until her illness made it impossible for her to wear it any longer. Eventually, it was relegated to a memory in the attic.

In Noella's memories, Harriet adored that dress above all else.

In the video, Harriet appeared frail, pausing to catch her breath after a few words, making the recording disjointed.

"Noella, by the time you see this, you'll already know about Polaris Star."

"It was I who pleaded with Polaris Star to take you in. It was also I who got them to send you there."

Tears filled Harriet's eyes as she spoke.

"I know my Noella has suffered a lot. But that was because I hoped it would allow you to survive! Polaris Star was something Garrick and I started, initially just a regular talent selection program. It later morphed into something unrecognizable to me.

Due to access rights, I wasn't brainwashed after leaving Polaris Star. But when they came for me after Tristan was born, I chose to have my memory wiped for the safety of Tristan and your grandfather. Behind Polaris Star, there are forces strong enough to back the project. Even your grandfather didn’t know who signed the initial documents. But as long as Polaris Star exists, it carries its own might.

I never imagined you would be sent to me. Later, I found out they were searching for me, and they discovered you! That's when I remembered some things."

Harriet managed a wan smile.

"I knew they wanted me back at Polaris Star. I used my last bit of influence to plead for your well- being. Being with those old folks, you could learn a lot, more than if you stayed with me. Upon assessing my own health, I realized I couldn't protect you any longer. I feared what those people could do if they found you, and Polaris Star could offer you protection!"

Noella was acutely aware of the aftereffects of Polaris Star's brainwashing. She recalled the symptoms, mental states, and fragmented memories of Harriet's last years, all indicative of brainwashing aftermath.

"I wanted to protect my Noella forever, but I never got the chance. I hope you won't blame me for being so harsh, for sending you to such a painful place."

"Noella, I just wanted you to live well! Not to live a life as pitiful as mine."

"Garrick is not a good man. Don't trust him. If you get a chance, go to Lockhart Prison to find Xavier; he will protect you."

"If you want to know more about Polaris Star, ask your grandfather."

"Noella, I love you. Soon, I'll be nothing but a star in the sky, forever protecting my little girl."

"Don't be sad for me. I'm relieved that I won't be a burden to you anymore. Now, my Noella can soar."

...

The video was long, Harriet speaking whatever came to her mind.

After watching patiently, Noella touched her cheeks, only to realize they were wet with tears.

Little did she know, it was her grandmother who sent her to Polaris Star, yet she didn’t hate her. Under those circumstances, Harriet only wanted to ensure she could live on. It was also torture for her to wait anxiously every time Noella returned from the border.

Noella remembered Harriet wiping away her tears at her bedside. Back then, Harriet must have known what she was doing, right?

With her hands covering her face, Noella's slender shoulders shook. She missed her grandmother dearly.

A hand rested on Noella's shoulder, turning off the looping video.

Palmer had appeared beside her at some point, his gaze tender as he knelt beside her, wiping away her tears.

"Don't be sad. It's all in the past. Grandma had her reasons."

Noella nodded, her eyes red and swollen, evoking Palmer's sympathy.

"I just miss Grandma so much. Some of these things... she could have told me before."

"Maybe Grandma felt she just couldn’t bring herself to face you and tell you these things."

"Yeah. Why are you here so late?"

Palmer's sudden appearance through the window was something Noella had grown accustomed to, his unexpected visits no longer surprising her.

Noella's hair cascaded down her back, her reddened eyes adding a fragility to her appearance, like fine porcelain in need of careful protection. Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

Palmer was moved, his fingertips gently tracing the corners of Noella's eyes.

"My mom's memorial is coming up. Horatio has made all the arrangements. Grandpa asked me to see if you'd attend."

As Palmer's fiancée, it was only fitting for Noella to be part of such an occasion.

"Elara will be there. Grandpa hopes you can come too."

Elara, being part of the Pollack family, had Marcel's approval to attend the memorial service for Palmer's mother.

"Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for me to go?"

"Of course not. My mom would have been happy to see you there. My brothers are also on their way back. I really hope you can make it."

After considering for a moment, Noella agreed. "Okay, I'll be there."

Suddenly, the balcony window was knocked on, and a head peeked in under the moonlight.

Horatio, upon seeing the intimate atmosphere between Noella and Palmer, wondered if he had chosen the wrong time to interrupt.

"Um, Noella, is this a bad time?"

"Indeed, it is."

"Should I leave then?"

Noella sighed. "Come back. What do you want this time?"

Horatio chuckled mischievously. "Didn't I borrow a painting last night? Finished admiring it, time to return it today!"

Knowing Horatio all too well, Noella suspected there was more to it than just returning a borrowed item.

"What have you set your eyes on this time?"

Horatio grinned. "Ah, you’ve misunderstood me. It's all about appreciating the art! It’s a guy called Larson Pollack. The man's got a collection of vintage paintings, and word has it he's planning to offload them all. Such desecration of art!"

Noella raised an eyebrow.

Larson's business had hit a rough patch recently, leaving a gaping financial void that needed filling urgently.

"So, he's thinking of auctioning them off?"

"Exactly! Which is why we need to hurry and take a look before it's too late. I swear those masterpieces were practically begging me to take them home!"

Noella was all too familiar with Horatio's antics. His tone implied a clear reluctance to spend any money on acquiring these items.

She glanced at Palmer, her eyebrow arching slightly. "Are you plotting to bankrupt Larson?"

Palmer smiled, his eyes mirroring Noella's expression. "Yes. Are you going to help me?"

"Of course, that’s what friends are for."